Silver Diamine Fluoride, SDF, is an alternative treatment for tooth decay under certain conditions. Treatment of children’s deciduous (primary or “baby”) and permanent (“adult”) teeth with silver diamine fluoride is a rather new strategy provided by pediatric dentist Dr. Babich located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side aimed at preventing tooth decay (dental caries) and at arresting existing tooth decay.
What Is Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay is a bacterial infection, in which bacteria of the oral cavity, the main culprit is Streptococcus mutans, metabolize dietary sugars to sticky polymers that allow them to adhere within a biofilm to the tooth surface. In addition, bacterial metabolism of dietary sugars forms acidic end-products that demineralize (i.e., soften) the enamel, the hard tooth outer surface.
If left unchecked, the bacterial infection will advance, burrowing deeper into the tooth structure, first into the dentin and thereafter to the pulp, which houses nerve endings and blood vessels. Recognizing that tooth decay is a bacterial disease, the strategy behind topical application of silver diamine fluoride to tooth surfaces is to inhibit bacterial growth in existing areas of decay and to prevent the occurrence of areas new decay.
Read more on how to prevent tooth decay and about an association between lead poisoning and tooth decay.
What Is Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)?
The Food and Drug Administration has designated silver diamine fluoride with Breakthrough Therapy Status, which is the Agency’s designation of a process designed to expedite the development and review of medications that are intended to treat a serious medical condition.
Dental caries fits this criterion – childhood caries is a worldwide public health problem with untreated decay in deciduous teeth being the tenth most prevalent health risk and with untreated dental caries in permanent teeth being the most common.
Read more: https://www.nycpediatricdentist.com/silver-diamine-fluoride-treatment/
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, visit our NYC kids dentistry center or call Upper East Side pediatric dentist Dr. Babich at (212) 988-4070.
Working Hours:
Monday: 9AM-6PM
Tuesday: 9AM-6PM
Wednesday: 9AM-6PM
Thursday: 9AM-6PM
Friday: 9AM-4PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Payment: cash, check, credit cards.
Pediatric Dentistry: Dr. Sara B. Babich, DDS
116 E 84th St,
New York, NY 10028
(212) 988-4070
Web-address: https://www.nycpediatricdentist.com/
E-mail: info@nycpediatricdentist.com
Location on the Map: https://g.page/dr-sara-babich-pediatric-dds-nyc
https://plus.codes/87G8Q2HV+83 New York
Nearby Locations:
Carnegie Hill | Yorkville | Lenox Hill | Upper East Side | Midtown Manhattan
10029 | 10028 | 10021| 10044, 10065, 10075, 10128 | 10022